More of this Feature • Part 1: History • Part 2: A Treasure Gate

Join the Discussion "I would like to know why chinese women or any asian women in general wear jade bangels and is there any signifacance on which hand the left or right hand you wear it on and what color to wear and not to wear?" JENNIFA2

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There were historical allusions and topics of conversations on the 600-year-old wall bricks since on one side of the wall, it was found that bricks were carved with clear Chinese characters telling about production, names of the county or prefecture, supervisor, kiln man, brick-maker and transporter. At that time, the bricks were baked and supplied by the stationed troops or 150 prefectures and counties on the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Most of the bricks are fine gray and the rest white pottery. All were made strictly to the demand in size and quality. It proved the strict responsibility system at that time. It was said that when the producer handed over bricks, there was a checker who would ask two soldiers to hold the bricks and hit them. If they rang clear and remained unbroken, the bricks were passed. If not, the makers would be told to make them again. If still not qualified, the officer on duty would execute its maker. Most of the bricks were transported by boat along the Grand Canal or the Yangtze River. Looking at the bricks, people can image the different facial expressions of the brick makers when handing over the bricks.

A Silent Song

Today, Nanjing's city area has expanded outside the ancient wall. After climbing it and seeing the view, Luo Zhewen, of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and an expert in ancient architecture, remarks that it is seldom seen for a metropolis with a population of 5 million, to have such a beautiful scene of mountains, rivers, city wall and forests.

Surely the Taicheng-Taipingmen city wall and its topographic environment are typical as a wonderful combination of both artificial and natural scenery in an ancient capital. By sunset, people are touched by the imposing gray city wall with its magnificent strength.

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Written by our column writer Ye Qinfa.

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